Servicemembers assist following earthquake in Costa Rica

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Members of the Costa Rican Red Cross transport a 65-year-old female earthquake victim here from a Joint Task Force-Bravo helicopter to a waiting ambulance Jan. 10 in San Miguel, Costa Rica. Four JTF-Bravo helicopters and 34 American servicemembers deployed from Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, at the request of the Costa Rican government to provide lifesaving support to those affected by the earthquake. (U.S. Air Force photo/1st Lt. Candace Park)

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1/12/2009 - SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AFNS) -- Thirty-four American servicemembers and four helicopters from Honduras-based Joint Task Force-Bravo deployed to Costa Rica Jan. 10 to assist with disaster response efforts in areas affected by a 6.2 magnitude earthquake near San Jose.

The team, comprised of Army and Air Force aviation crews, rescue, medical and support members, supported ongoing efforts to search and locate victims of the natural disaster.

The military members are working in coordination with the U.S. Agency for International Development's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance and representatives of Costa Rica's national disaster response organizations.

Navy Adm. James Stavridis, commander of U.S. Southern Command, headquartered in Miami, directed the deployment after Costa Rican government officials requested U.S. assistance from the U.S. Embassy, located in the nation's capital.

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